Botanical Overview
Chinese Cornbind (Polygonum multiflorum) is a flowering plant in the Polygonaceae family. This plant has earned a place in traditional medicine through its consistent therapeutic benefits, recorded across multiple cultures. The buckwheat family (Polygonaceae) includes herbs, shrubs, and vines with swollen stem nodes (joints) and simple, alternate leaves with sheathing stipules called ochreae. The flowers are small and clustered. Many species contain anthraquinone glycosides and tannins.
General Description
It is known by the English common names tuber fleeceflower and Chinese (climbing) knotweed. It is known as he shou wu (何首烏) in China and East Asia. Another name for the species is fo-ti, which is a misnomer.
Family Context
The Polygonaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Prostrate Knotweed — 50 documented uses
- Common Smartweed — 41 documented uses
- Curly Dock — 31 documented uses
- Chinese Rhubarb — 29 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Chinese Cornbind has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Austria, China, Czech Republic, Germany, France, and others.
Traditional Uses
Chinese Cornbind has been traditionally used for digestive health, respiratory conditions, and urinary tract health, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Diarrhea
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Respiratory conditions.
- Cold
Respiratory conditions are addressed through steam inhalation of the herb’s vapors or internal use as a warm tea. The hot infusion acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm and clear congestion. Some traditions combine it with honey for coughs.
Urinary tract health.
- Kidney
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Phenolic: antioxidant compounds that neutralize free radicals
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties